Best Online Curtain Guide. All Curtain Information Online

Tag: spring curtain rod

Curtain Rods

Curtain rods are used to hang curtains in the majority of households. These rods have two functions. First, they hold the drapes that cover your windows, maintain your privacy, control the room temperature, block out sunlight and make your property feel homely. Second, they function as a decorative element of the room.

A curtain rod

The kind of curtain rod you choose will be governed by whether you wish it to be visible or not. Typically, simple rods stay concealed and are less expensive. These rods tend to be used for curtains that remain closed most of the time and do not have a decorative style.

Types of Curtain Rods

There are many different kinds of curtain rods available, in various colors, styles, finishes and materials. Ivory, brass finish and white are the most popular choices; and metal, wood and vinyl are the most commonly used materials. The material it is made of does not necessarily reflect the rod’s quality. Instead, craftsmanship is the key factor that determines both aesthetic appeal and durability.

Spring rods

Spring rods, also referred to as tension rods or spring tension rods, are the most well known kind of curtain rods. These rods are the simplest to install, and no special hardware is required for installation. These rods are held up with springs, which push the rods outwards at the ends. Consequently, spring rods are mounted directly onto windowsills, or onto the trim or molding surrounding them. Below is a picture showing a spring curtain rod.

A Spring curtain rod

Sash Rods

Sash rods are another popular style. These are decorative and more slender than other kinds of curtain rods. They are meant to be positioned just over the tops of windows, and the curtains should hang just below the bottom. Homeowners who opt to use this style of curtain rod have to buy curtains that are slightly longer than their actual windows.

A Sash curtain rod

Cafe Sash Rods

Cafe sash rods are a variation of standard sash rods. They look similar, but have a bigger circumference. In addition, they are meant to protrude from the wall partially, instead of just lying flat against the surface like sash rods do. However, similar to sash rods, you are supposed to use cafe sash rods with drapes that start just above windows, and finish just below them.

A Cafe sash curtain rod

Magnetic Rods

Magnetic rods are decorative in nature, but still straightforward to install. They hold themselves in position, just like spring rods. However, as their name suggests, rather than using springs they use magnets. These rods need metal windowsills to work, and they cost more than spring rods. If your property does not have metal windowsills, you can glue magnetic rods into position instead.

A Magnetic curtain rod

Most homeowners choose decorative curtain rods when they want parts of the rods to be visible. Decorative rods are normally used with scarf pieces, sheer panels and other decorative window treatments. If you do not want the entire rod to be decorative, you can buy standard rods that have decorative finials at each end. Furthermore, you can mount the rod using decorative brackets.

Materials used in making curtain rods

Wood and wrought iron are two of the most popular materials used for making decorative curtain rods. Wooden rods are available in a range of finishes, and you can match these to the furniture in your home, including oak, cherry and mahogany varieties. Wooden rods can have fluted or smooth exteriors, and frequently come with matching rings and finials. Finishes on wrought iron rods range from rustic to sleek, and include iron oxide, pewter and gold. All of these rods are available in different diameters and lengths, to suit virtually all decorating schemes.

Alternative curtain rods

You could also opt to use double curtain rods on your windows. These consist of two rods, one situated in front of the other. These rods enable you to layer numerous curtains. On the back rod, you could use solid panels, and valances can be used on the rod at the front. Also, sheer panels and solid panels can be used on the back and front rods respectively. Sometimes, double curtain rods are used on drafty windows, when insulated, double layered curtains are required to stop cold air from entering a property.

Final Remarks

Great curtain rods complement the appearance of your home, and are sufficiently sturdy to support your curtains when they are closed or opened. Usually, selecting the most suitable materials and finishes for your rods is simply a question of locating items that fit your personal tastes. You might be influenced by the prices of the rods you are interested in, which are governed (among other things) by the finish, size and brand.